Star Weekly - Wyndham - 3rd April 2024

Watton St ‘not safe’

By Cade Lucas

Wyndham council is under pressure to improve the surface of its busiest thoroughfare,aftercomplaintsfromdisabled residents that it is unsafe for them to use.

Local wheelchair and mobility scooter users claim uneven pavers on Watton Street, Werribee, make it hard for them to travel along the shopping precinct and in one instance, resulted in an elderly man being tipped out onto the street.

“Basically a lot of people have been finding those paving bricks in the main street of Werribee have either been popping up because they haven’t been laid correctly or some of them are being very slippery to walk on,” said Hoppers Crossing man Peter Buysen who has begun a change.org petition demanding council inspect and repair the footpath.

A scooter user himself, Mr Buysen resorted to starting the online petition after amaintenancerequesthemadetoWyndham council went nowhere.

Citing his own difficulties travelling along Watton Street and numerous complaints gathered from social media, Mr Buysen found the problem - literally - wasn’t big enough for council to worry about.

“The (Wyndham council) road management plan says anything under 20 millimetres of height difference, doesn’t get repaired,” he said.

“Because it fell outside their guidelines, they said there was basically nothing they could do.”

In response Wyndham council said maintenance and repair works to footpaths in and around Watton Street were underway.

“Through the Road Management Plan, footpaths in the Werribee CBD are audited onaquarterlycycletodetectsafetyissuesand wear and tear,” said a council spokesperson.

“If any footpaths are identified as part of the audit cycle, they are then earmarked for replacement.”

Whether the 20 millimetre height limit was still in place was not addressed.

Any repairs to the footpaths will come too lateforTarneit’sLorraineChisholm,whohas vowed to never push her wheelchair-bound husband along the Werribee main street again.

“LasttimeIwenttothebankIgotsomeone to mind my husband so I didn’t have to wheel him down Watton Street,” said the 75 year old, whose stance is in response to an incident involving she and her 80 year old husband Tony, about a month ago.

“I walked up Station Place and when I turned left to go up the back door of the old shire building, I hit a brick with the wheelchairandhefelloutandIwentoverthe top and I thought I’d broken my finger.”

The Chisholms were on their way to a support group for Parkinson’s disease which Tony suffers from and for which he began

using a wheelchair nine months ago.

“A man walking past helped me get him back in” said Ms Chisholm who at just five foot-two might’ve struggled to do so herself.

“I’ve even offered them to come and wheel my husband down Watton Street and back to see how bad it is, but they wouldn’t do that,” she said.

After months of getting wheels stuck in gaps or struggling to negotiate bumps or slippery and slanted surfaces, Ms Chisholm has no plans to bring the wheelchair back to Watton Street, regardless of what Wyndham council does to improve it.

To sign the petition go to shorturl.at/ pqD14

BRON LEWIS

DARREN HARRIOTT

ALEX WARD DAVID QUIRK BRETT BLAKE(HOST)

Peter Buysen has launched an online petition calling on Wyndham council to fix footpaths in Watton Street, Werribee. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 397122_01

Bail laws failing victims says MP

A series of violent break-ins at a Wyndham Vale home has led to calls for the state’s bail laws to be strengthened.

The three incidents, between August 2022 and March 2024, involved property damage, theft and threats of violence are believed to have been perpetrated by the same offender.

Liberal upper-house member for Western Metropolitan, Trung Luu, raised the matter in state parliament on behalf of his constituent and alleged victim, known as Mr N.

During upper house question time on Tuesday March 9, Mr Luu, a former police officer, blamed weak bail laws for allowing

what he described as “three brutal attacks,” on Mr N and his family.

“There is no restraining order, and from the recurrence of violent attacks there appear to be no bail conditions. If there are, they are not protecting him,” he said before detailing the three incidents which saw Mr N and his family terrorised depite the offender being bailed twice.

Mr Luu then questioned police minister Anthony Carbines about the matter.

“Could the minister please update my constituent on what is being done to keep his family safe?”

The question was taken on notice by Minister Carbines while further inquiries to the office of Attorney General, Jaclyn Symes, were not received by deadline.

Last year the state government loosened some aspect of the bail system following an extensive review claiming the changes would “make the laws fairer and reduce the disproportionate impact felt by women, children and Aborginal peoples”.

While not referring directly to the incidents involving Mr N, Trung Luu later told Star Weekly the changes had reduced community safety.

Recreating historic aviation feat

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first flight around Australia, Sun Theatre owner Michael Smith will take off on a solo journey around the country, copying the same flight path. The Australian Geographic Adventurer of the Year 2016 will retrace the historic journey following the original anti-clockwise route in the modern seaplane ‘Southern Sun’. Michael will take off from the same spot as the 1924 crew at the Point Cook air base for the adventure of a lifetime, which he is eager to begin.

“The weakening of the bail law has enabled offenderstore-offendagainandagain,without anyrepercussions,”hesaidindemandingthey again be changed.

Mr N agreed that the balance had swung to far in favour of those who commit violent offences saying “I think the current legal systemisnotdoingenoughtoprotectinnocent people and deter offenders to re-commit crimes.”

Mr N said the incidents had had a devastating effect on he and his family, with one attack causing he elderly grandfather to have a heart attack.

WYNnovation returns in May

Wyndham is gearing up for its annual WYNnovation event, this year themed around the festival of human connection,settounfoldacrossvarious locations.

The program commences with a Masterclass titled “Unlock your leadership confidence“ on Tuesday, May 14.

The first program will take place at the National Equestrian Centre. And it will be hosted by EQ Leaders, a Wyndham Business Awards 2023 winner, that designs equine-assisted professional development programs for business leaders.

The Summit on Thursday, May 16, will take place at the Encore Events Centre. Three profiles of thought leaders will feature in the summit.

They are Mykel Dixon (MC, award-winning speaker and experience creator), Antoinette Lattouf, (diversity advocateandauthor)andBarrieBarton (entrepreneur).

Following a day of engaging discussions, the Summit Networking night event at Corked Werribee will offer an opportunity for further connection.

The week concludes with the Pitch Grand Finale on Friday, May 17, at Lancemore Mansion Hotel.

“It’s amazing to think that it took five more years before they could fly around Australia, because Australia was so undeveloped compared to going through Asia and Europe.”

It took the original aviation pioneers 44 days to complete the trip which Michael will retrace.

“I will be using the same landing places on the same dates. My plane will be a bit more reliable giving me a fair bit of time to go around,” he said. With a mixture of excitement and nervousness, Michael will begin his trip on

“I think it is a big deal because at the time aviation was in its infancy. In 1919 they managed the first flight from England to Australia,” he said as he recalled the trip he replicated in 2019.

Saturday 6 April.

“I have installed a satellite dish in the front of the plane, so I have internet as I go around the country so that I can do some live broadcasting.

“My aim is to tell the story of that original trip as I go along during the trip myself.”

Sponsored by Australian Geographic and Bremont, the voyage will be photographed, journalled and filmed.

Those eager to follow along can tune in to Southern Sun TV YouTube on Facebook and Instagram.

Jennifer Pittorino

Here, the finalists in the Pitch competition present their innovative solutions for the future of Wyndham, competing for a share in over $38,000 in prizes, the largest in the event’s history.

This session is in collaboration with The Startup Network and Wyndham’s SPARK Innovation Hub.

Entrepreneurs, businesses, and innovators are encouraged to participate in the Pitch competition.

Details at www.wyndham.vic.gov. au/wynnovation.

Cost of living fund touted for Point Cook’s future

A Point Cook businessman wants millions in unspent developer contributions to the suburb invested into a future fund to provide cost of living relief.

Tully Smith said he was shocked by recent reports that $36.16 million in developer contributions made to Point Cook over the past 20 years, had gone unspent.

While Wyndham council said the money built up by projects being fully funded by the state government or coming in under budget and was always accounted for, Mr Smith said it shouldn’t be up to council to decide what to do with it. Rather, the recent chief executive of the Australia India Chamber of Commerce,

wants the money used to establish the Point Cook Future Fund. Modelled on a similar scheme that already operates in Point Cook’s Sanctuary Lakes estate, interest generated by the fund would be given to households through body corporate cash rebates.

Households in Point Cook’s Saratoga, Alamanda and Saltwater estates would be eligible and could access up to $1,200 in rebates over a four-year period.

“If adopted, my plan would be the biggest cost of living package ever in Wyndham’s history,” said Mr Smith who is lobbying for the future fund to be included in the 2024 council budget.

“By creating a Point Cook Future Fund, we canbothsafeguardourfuturebyinvestingthis money, and using only the interest earned, we can make things cheaper and easier for locals now and over the next four years.”

The idea has won the support of Wyndham deputy mayor Josh Gilligan who will take the proposal to council.

“Tully’s cost of living package for Point Cook shows he understands what local families need - his plan has my full support to be included in the upcoming budget.”

It’s estimated the fund would generate $1.6 million in interest per year, $1.35 million of which would be returned to households.

Point Cook businessman Tully Smith (left) and Wyndham deputy mayor Josh Gilligan want a future fund established for the suburb. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 398099_02

Michael Smith is ready to fly. (Ljubica Vrankovic.)

Helpers in need of help

By Cade Lucas

Sometimes even the helpers need help.

Werribee South’s Phillip McDonald is well known for assisting those in need.

During Covid, Mr McDonald founded food charity Feeding Families, providing meals to homeless people around Wyndham, something he’d been doing informally in the years prior to the pandemic.

As the name suggests, the main focus of the charity is food, but it’s far from the only one, with Mr McDonald also helping people with furniture, clothes and pretty much anything else they need but can’t afford.

“The only thing I don’t do is pay people’s bills,” he said on the limits of his generosity.

It’s a comment that is grimly ironic given if anyone needs help with their bills it’s Mr McDonald himself.

“LikeI’mspending90percentofmyincome helping Feeding Families,” he said.

“I’m spending between nine to $15,000 a week in food.”

While running a charity which delivers meals seven nights a week, Mr McDonald somehow finds time to work three jobs, which along with food and money donations, he uses to keep the operation afloat.

But as the cost of living crisis has taken hold post pandemic, the number of people needing help has him struggling to keep up.

“It’s getting worse and worse every week,” said Mr McDonald in a recent interview with Star Weekly.

“Like tonight I’ve had to do 215 families and that’s delivering to people’s houses as well.”

On average, Mr McDonald estimates Feedling Families serves around 190 to 200 meals a night, with deliveries made throughoutWyndhamandevenfurtherafield to Geelong and Torquay.

After serving Protective Services Officers at train stations across the western suburbs too, Mr McDonald said he sometimes doesn’t get to bed until 4am.

It’s exhausting just reading about it, but thankfully Mr McDonald gets plenty of help, with more on the way.

A recent interaction on Facebook put him in touch with Werribee’s Craig Bisson, who himself has been assisting the less fortunate around Wyndham and has now joined forces with Feeding Families.

“Craig has taken on helping with the meals at night for the homeless guys and

girls in the streets and in front of Coles,” said Mr McDonald who is now able to focus on delivering food elsewhere, including to homeless people camped along the Werribee River.

“And we just had another lady who’s going to come on and do meals for us at local train stations once a fortnight. And her brother is going to do hair cuts for us once a month.”

Anyone interested in helping Mr McDonald or donating to Feeding Families visit: facebook.com/groups/feeding.families. australia

United holding holiday camps

Wyndham parents wanting to keep their kids occupied during the school holidays now have another option thanks to A-League club Western United.

The club is holding its inaugural holiday camps beginning on Tuesday April 2 at the regional football facility in Tarneit.

Delivered by the WUFC academy and development centre coaching staff, elite, development and goalkeeping camps will be held on April 2 and again on April 9.

Along with camps at the club’s base in Tarneit, there are also multiple holiday camps at Western United’s partner community clubs throughout the western suburbs.

On Thursday April 4 Western United will also be joining in the fun of the Station Place Mini Pop-up Market with a WU pop-up that will have freebies, player appearances and merchandise deals.

On Saturday April 6, Western United’s men’s team play their first ever game in Tarneit when they take on Macarthur, while on Tuesday April 9, both men’s and women’s teams will hold the first ever double-header open training session at the regional football facility.

The holiday camps can be attended by all kids and details and registration can be found at: https:// theunitedfootballprogram.com.au/ holiday-camps/

Werribee’s Phillip McDonald (right) on one of his daily runs across Wyndham delivering food to those in need. (supplied)

Angry debate on plan delays vote

By Cade Lucas

A vote on the Wyndham Learning Community Strategy had to be postponed at Tuesday night’s council meeting due to ongoing conflict between councillors.

The vote will now be held on April 23 after a series of amendments, alternative motions and angry barbs between councillors delayed repeated attempts to resolve the matter.

Tensions arose when deputy mayor Josh Gilligan introduced an alternative resolution on the grounds that the strategy placed too much emphasis on Aboriginal education and should therefore be treated as a separate Indigenous learning strategy.

“An education strategy focused on less than 3000 residents in a city over 322,000 reinforces why this strategy is not a strategy for all people in the city of Wyndham,” Cr Gilligan told the chamber.

In response, Councillor Robert Szatkowski

accused the deputy mayor of grandstanding.

“To diminish and denigrate what has been put into the chamber tonight in this way, is pretty appalling.”

Cr Jasmine Hill then spoke to oppose Cr Gilligan’s alternate resolution, but prefaced her comments with a reference to an ongoing disagreement between the pair.

“I want to be honest, I’m nervous because whenIexpressanopinion,Igetanallegation.

I still have one before VCAT,” said Cr Hill who was last year suspended for four months after being found guilty of bullying council staffers.

Cr Hill then appealed her suspension to VCAT and was reinstated to council pending the outcome.

The original complaint against her was madebyCrGilligan,wholastmonthcriticised his colleagues for welcoming Cr Hill back council, saying he was “embarrassed” to serve alongside them.

Despite opposing Cr Gilligan’s resolution, Cr Hill made similar criticisms about an overemphasis on Indigenous education, before conceding she was speaking to the wrong motion.

After the extended unruly debate, a frustrated mayor Jennie Barrera spoke on indulgence, pointing out that Indigenous education was only one of four pillars of the learning community strategy.

Cr Gilligan’s motion was lost by four votes to seven, but a a procedural motion put by the deputy mayor to adjourn the matter to April, was carried by the same margin.

Debate again became ill-tempered at the end of the meeting when Cr Szatkowski moved a motion of Urgent Business to have public consultation on the learning strategy reopened.

After the motion was carried, Cr Hill spoke in favour, arguing that a response of only 12 people during the original consultation

period was nowhere near enough.

InresponseCrMiaShawnotedthatlearning was within Cr Hill’s portfolio and said it was her responsibility to attract more responses.

“I look forward to, over the next three weeks, seeing you out and about promoting this strategy and trying to get more feedback because I would suggest that is part of your role as well.”

“Point of order, point of order,” Cr Hill responded angrily, as Cr Barrera tried to get her to nominate which one.

“54.3”saidCrHillbeforelaunchingintoher defense.

“Cr Shaw has been acting consistently disrespectfully towards me for the past three and a half years,” was as far as she got before Cr Barrera cut her off.

“That is not a point of order tonight,” said the mayor raising her voice.

Cr Szatkowski’s motion was then lost and the meeting closed.

Egg-cellent Easter auction nets a record result

A seven star home in Tarneit fetched a record $1.11 million at the Good Friday Appeal auction on March 29.

Mohish Waitha and Sonam Pala emerged as the new owners of the two storey, 4 bedroom home on Monferrato Avenue after a marathon auction held in front of 800 people on Friday.

REIV Auctioneer of the Year Greg Brydon presided over the auction which attracted more than 40 bids and netted the biggest the price in the auction’s 32 year history, with all proceeds going to the Royal Children’s Hospital.

The winning bid was nearly $30,000 more than the previous record of $1.08 million set in 2022 and $100,000 more than last year’s total of 1.01 million.

The winning bidders were thrilled with the outcome.

“We’re quite happy and excited,” said Mohish.

“We’ve been looking for a while and finally found a house that we wanted to buy and actually were able to buy it today.

“It was really unexpected, but we’re really happy today.”

Good Friday Appeal board member Peter Clark said the auction outcome was “a magnificent result” for the Royal Children’s Hospital.

The auction was the highlight of a day whichalsoincludedastreetpartyspectacular complete with live entertainment, face-painting, kids rides, roaming superheroes, giant slide, a petting zoo, coffee cart and food trucks.

The 38 square family home is currently

Regulator releases draft decision on GWW water charges

Wyndham households will enjoy cheaper water if an Essential Services Commission (ESC) draft decision on water services pricing is adopted.

The Essential Services Commission has releaseditsdraftdecisiononGWW’sproposed prices for water services for the four-year period starting on July 1, 2024.

This is GWW’s first price review, following the merger of the former City West Water and Western Water businesses in 2021.

GWW’s service area covers all of Melbourne’s north and west, stretching from the CBD to Wyndham, Moorabool and the Macedon Ranges.

The ESC said GWW’s proposal leads to a decrease in a typical annual customer bill for most customers.

The proposal projects that by the 2027-28 financial year, typical water and sewerage

bills for houses in GWW’s central region, which includes Wyndham, with an average 150 kilolitre per-annum consumption would reduce by $20 for renters and by $2 for homeowners.

Renters bills in Wyndham would drop from the current price of $531 to $511, while homeowners bills would experience a drop from$1007to$996inthefirstyearofoperation before rising back to $1005 in 2027-28.

The commission’s executive director of pricing Marcus Crudden said GWW will deliver several key initiatives to support customer value.

“Among its key initiatives, Greater Western Water will increase investment in assets to maintain service quality and reliability, responding to challenges from climate change and population growth, he said.

“Given ongoing cost of living pressures

it is pleasing to see the business commit to increasedfinancialsupportthoseexperiencing hardship.

Mr Crudden said the commission’s draft decision was open for feedback to inform a final decision on prices to be released in June.

“Our draft decision proposes some reductionstoGreaterWesternWater’sforecast costsandalsoseeksmoreinformationinother areas including new customer contributions, to inform our final decision,” he said.

The draft decision is open for feedback on Engage Victoria until May 7 and the commission will hold a public forum on May 2.

Details: https://engage.vic.gov.au/ESC-waterprice-review-2024

Photo: Jacek Dylag/ Unsplash

being constructed by Henley Homes on a 476 sqm block donated by Villawood properties at their Alamora community

in Tarneit.

Once complete, the home will come fully furnished and landscaped.

The 2024 auction takes the total raised for the Good Friday Appeal, to more than $20.3 million.

Mohish Waitha and Sonam Pala celebrate their Good Friday Appeal auction success. (supplied) 398955_01

Healthy translations

By Cade Lucas

Being the only public hospital in one of the most multicultural communities in the country, translators are almost as important at Werribee Mercy hospital as doctors and nurses.

Part of the hospital’s multicultural services unit, which comprises a booking coordinator, two in-house translators and a team of casuals,translatorshelpnon-Englishspeaking patients negotiate a healthcare system that uses a completely different language.

This can range from assisting non-English speaking patients in understanding medical information, treatment options and discharge instructions, through to accompanying them during consultations, procedures, and discussions with doctors.

Few understand the importance of the role more than one of Werribee Mercy’s own in-house translators, Hong Kong born, Man Ting Chong.

Having arrived in Australia with her family when she was 13, Man Ting witnessed the impact translators and interpreters can have when her brother, who has special needs, was receiving treatment.

“Having access to an interpreter is crucial to helping those who do not speak English as their first language navigate the complexities of the healthcare system which can often be difficult and overwhelming,” said Man Ting who was inspired by her brother’s experience with translators to become one herself.

She began working at Werribee Mercy four years ago while studying a Bachelor of Interpreting at RMIT University and said the experience had only underlined the importance of the role.

Events for diversity

The ‘Unite for Diversity: Listen, Share, Understand’ campaign is set to be launched in Wyndham.

The campaign comprising various activities and events designed to foster understanding and trust, while aiming to diminish racism and discrimination within our community. Throughout April and May, this series features a free program of intimate events to enable cross-cultural exchange and awareness, including First Nations cultural exchange events, community dinners, interfaithopendaysandaYouthHealing Workshop. Additionally, the series will offer an inclusion and diversity training workshop for local sports clubs, aimed at enhancing cultural awareness and inclusivity. Anti-racism workshops will also be part of the initiative, focusing on understanding the impact of racism in our community and exploring ways to find allies, and effectively speaking up and standing up against racism.

Wyndham mayor Jennie Barrera said theseriescelebratesWyndham’sstrength as one of the most diverse regions in Australia.

“Ihavehadtheprivilegeofservingasavital link between patients and clinicians. I have helped many patients understand medical information, treatment options and discharge instructions, which is essential to a positive experience with healthcare.”

multicultural community made her job extra rewarding.

Coming from Hong Kong, Man Ting is Werribee Mercy’s in-house interpreter for both Cantonese and Mandarin and assists an average of five patients per day. She said working in such a large and diverse

POINT COOK RETIREMENT

“Working in such a diverse community is part of what makes my role as an interpreter so fulfilling as I know I’m supporting the local community and ensuring they feel heard,” Man Ting said.

“Language has the ability to turn confusion into clarity which is why I love what I do.”

“A total 48 per cent of our residents are born overseas, and nearly 50 percent speakalanguageotherthanEnglish,”she said. “Wyndham is also home to a large and diverse First Nations population. The Unite for Diversity series is designed to break down barriers and encourage curiosity and kindness by bringing people together to share their unique stories and experiences and to celebrate what we have in common.”

Man Ting is a Cantonese and Mandarin translator at Werribee Mercy hospital. (supplied)

Journey back in time

Victorian kids can go to the zoo for free over the school holidays and embark on an unforgettable journey back in time as zoos across the state become prehistoric playgrounds.

At Melbourne Zoo, visitors can venture along paths not normally open to visitors to discover 16 huge dinosaurs, their nests, and newly hatched young. For budding palaeontologists, there’s the chance to uncover a fossil in the sandpits, watched over by the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex.

In an Australian first, Dinos at the Zoo will also provide unprecedented access to the deaf and hard of hearing community, with Expression Australia creating a series of videos in Australian Sign Language (Auslan) to provide information on every exhibit, which is instantly accessible by scanning a QR code.

At Werribee Open Range Zoo, expect the unexpected as you encounter 14 awe-inspiring dinosaurs, smoking volcanoes, bubbling swamps, dino footprints, and unearth life-like dino fossils.

For an evening adventure like no other, Dinos After Dark will be available at Werribee for one week from April 7, offering a unique nighttimeexperiencewiththeseancientgiants.

Within the Yarra Valley, step back in time along Healesville Sanctuary’s bushland Nature Trail where 16 dinosaurs roam, or for those who prefer a guide, join a free walking tour with a ranger.

Entry to all zoos is free for children under 16 yearsonweekends,schoolholidays,andpublic holidays.DinosattheZoowillbefreewithzoo admission and run until the end of the winter school holidays.

Briefs

Assault

Police are investigating an assault in Hoppers Crossing on Saturday night that has left a man in hospital with serious injuries. A man was knocked unconscious during an altercation at a function at a licensed premises on Horne Street about 11.45pm on March 30. He was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

No arrests have been made at this stage and police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Teen evade

Four teenagers, including a Wyndham Vale boy, have been charged after evading police north-west of Melbourne on Monday morning. It’s believed the offenders armed with machetes committed two home invasions and an attempted carjacking in Mickleham at about 6.30am on April 1 and no one was injured.

A stolen black Path Finder was then followed through Wyndham Vale, Werribee and suburbs north-west of Melbourne before the offenders were arrested in Sunbury just before 10am. A 16-year-old Wyndham Vale boy, a 15-year-old Ivanhoe girl, a 15-year-old Windsor girl and a A 14-year-old Ivanhoe boy were all charged with motor vehicle theft and variety of other offences. The Wyndham Vale boy and Ivanhoe girl have been bailed to appear in a children’s court at a later date.

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Explore dinosaurs after dark at Werribee Open Range Zoo. (Zoos Victoria)

Stadium precinct plan approved

By Cade Lucas

The construction of Wyndham Stadium, which will house A-League side Western United, is a step closer, after Wyndham council approved a key planning document for the Tarneit site.

The Wyndham Stadium Precinct Integrated Strategic Plan (ISP) attracted unanimous support at a meeting of Wyndham council on March 26.

The plan seeks to integrate the future A-League stadium on Sayers Road, with the surrounding area, particularly the Sayers

Road Railway station and the Riverdale Major Town Centre (MTC) development, both located to the south.

Key features of the document include three neighbourhoods anchored by the Riverdale MTC, Sayers Road Station and stadium; connectivity between each neighbourhood through both road connections and ‘green corridors’; higher density development along the main road boulevards; concept plans for walkable 20 minute neighbourhoods and the realignment of Sayers Road and relocation of the future Sayers Road railway closer to the town centre

Wyndham’s new song

In a heartfelt celebration of unity and resilience, the Peace Choir, a vibrant collective of Wyndham’s diverse community voices, has released a poignant anthem.

Launched on March 18, at the onset of Cultural Diversity Week at the Wyndham Cultural Centre, the song “Our World in Wyndham” now stands as a beacon of community pride.

Wyndham Child Safety officer Lesley Nallawalla said: “Our World in Wyndham is a fantastic gift to the people of Wyndham, one of the most diverse communities in Australia. What better time to launch it than during Cultural Diversity Week 2024.”

Cultural Diversity Week event coordinator Valeska Zuniga said the song can now be used forschoolstolearn,forcitizenshipceremonies, and for other events across Wyndham. Formed in 2018, the Peace Choir consists of diverse community members across

Wyndham.

With the financial support of the Wyndham Community and Education Centre through a reconnection and recovery grant, the Peace Choir rebounded in 2021 after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The grant allowed for reforming the Peace Choir, bringing together 20 individuals ranging in age from 20 to 80, united by their shared passion for music.

Following the reforming of the choir, Jonathon Welch and Stephen Blackburn composed this anthem for Wyndham.

They sought a song that would capture Wyndham’s diversity, strong sense of community and inclusion, and resilience, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Due to ongoing lockdowns, however, the Peace Choir couldn’t perform or record the song until 2023. The choir recorded the song in December and officially launched in March.

and A-League stadium.

Councillor Peter Maynard said being able to integrate an A-League stadium into the developmentofthebroaderareawasa‘oncein a lifetime opportunity,’ that his predecessors on council deserved credit for.

Western United chairman Jason Sourasis said he was delighted with council’s decision.

“This is another significant step forward in ourvisiontocreateMelbourne’sfirstsportand recreation-based city alongside our partners,” he said.

“Our move to our new home at the Regional Football Facility in Tarneit has been a great

success so far and we are looking ahead to the next stage of our plan, including the construction of our 15,000-capacity stadium and surrounding infrastructure.”

Western United’s women’s team recently hosted their first game at the regional football facility in Tarneit and it’s men’s team is due to do the same when they host Macarthur at the venue on Saturday.

The regional football facility will eventually become Western United’s training base once the stadium is built.

Wyndham council is a partner of Western United.

The Peace Choir.

Les’s ‘profound contribution’

By Jennifer Pittorino with AAP Prominentyouthoutreachworkerandwestern

suburbs heart and soul, Les Twentyman has died aged 76.

Growing up in Braybrook, Mr Twentyman used his upbringing to dedicate his life to help youths from the western suburbs suffering from disadvantage. The Les Twentyman Foundation works to engage young people withtheireducation,familiesandcommunity. Hisdedicationtohiscommunityandyoung people led him to receiving an Order of the

Medal of Australia (OAM) in 1994 for his service to youth as an outreach worker.

The foundation announced his passing on Saturday, March 30. The statement read “Les inspired us all with his lifelong dedication to helping those in need and his profound contribution to our community has positively changed the lives of thousands of young Victorians and their families. Our thoughts, loveandprayersarewithLes’swifeCherieand his family at this most difficult time, and we will wrap our arms around them.

“Les was larger than life, a true social

warrior who was never afraid to say what was needed to be said. He gave a voice to the voiceless and through the Foundation he created leaves a legacy of helping young people to a brighter future that will continue beyond his extraordinary life and all at the Les Twentyman Foundation take great pride inthetrusthehasplacedinustocontinuethis importantworkinhisname.Hewillbegreatly missed by all who loved and knew him.”

In his spare time, Mr Twentyman loved sport, working as a physical education teacher early in his career and was a coach and player

Life-changing scholarships for girls

Fourstudentsfromthewesthavebeenawarded life-changing Harding Miller Education Foundation scholarships.

The Harding Miller Education Foundation provides high-achieving young Australian women experiencing hardship with tools, resources,andsupporttohelpthemreachtheir full potential and build pathways to tertiary education and fulfilling careers.

The scholarships are awarded to students in Year 9, and at the end of Year 10 the recipients are invited to reapply for another two years of support.

The most recent recipients are Aaliyah Berry and Charlotte Gauci from Kurunjang SecondaryCollege,MeltonSecondaryCollege’s

Holly Carr and Werribee Secondary College’s Maynadi Khaled.

Each scholarship recipient receives a new laptop, high-speed internet, face-to-face and online tutoring, online homework assistance, prepaid expense cards to cover school essentials such as textbooks and excursions, as well as study skills resources and a personal coach to guide them over the four years of the scholarship.

The four years of scholarship support is valued at more than $20,000.

CharlotteGaucisaidshefeelsveryproudand privileged to receive the scholarship.

“I currently live with my mum and two siblings in Kurunjang. My mum does her best

toprovidemewitheverythingIneedbutbeing a single mum of three, financial difficulties do exist,“ she said.

“‘… this scholarship will allow me to have access to resources that will assist me in achievingmygoals,reachmyfullpotentialand ease the financial burden on my family.”

Harding Miller Education Foundation chief operations officer Caroline Hill said the Foundation is proud to be providing vital support to help promising young girls reach their full potential.

Applications 2025 will open from July 15 to September 18, 2024.

Details: http://www. hardingmillereducationfoundation.org.au

for the Yarraville VFL football team.

He was also extremely passionate about the Western Bulldogs Football Club.

“He was always one of those people who thought that just a little thing can snowball into a really big thing, reach critical mass,” said Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge “I admire him greatly for that. We’ve lost a great person.”

The state government has confirmed Mr Twentyman will be remembered with a state memorial service. Details of the service are being arranged with the Twentyman family.

Green space feedback

Wyndham residents can provide feedback on two of Wyndham council’s draft policies. The policies aim to help the residents so they can contribute to the maintenance and beautification of Wyndham’s crucial open spaces. The Community Garden Policy will be used to assess proposed locations and the suitability of the community groups who propose them for the development of a communitygardenwithincouncil’sopen spaces. the Adopt-A-Park Policy actively supportsindividuals’participationinthe stewardship of our open spaces.

Wyndham councillor Robert Szatkowski said, “as a council we recognise that being outdoors and gardening boosts wellbeing and builds social connection that contributes to our resilience as a community.

“We have an active community of green-thumbs and wonderful open spaces that the community love.”

“It means that the community often reachouttoaskhowtheycouldcontribute to the maintenance and beautification of our important open spaces.”

“Our new community garden and adopt-a-park policies highlight the best way in which our community involvement can take place and grow.”

“The community garden policy encourages the creation of new gardens in suitable locations while also making sure they are managed responsibly.”

Residents can reach the council at Greening the Pipeline Community GardenonSaturday,April6,andPasifika Community Garden on Saturday, April 13. Both in-person chats will be available from noon-2pm.

Details: www.theloop.wyndham.vic. gov.au/community-gardens-and-adoptpark-policies

Maynadi Khaled, Holly Carr, Charlotte Gauci and Aaliyah Berry. (Supplied)

MY PLACE

Tell us a bit about you and what you do?

I moved from India to Australia in 2006. I lived in Perth for a couple of years but mostly lived in Melbourne, travelled across western and southern states of Australia. Initially, I started working with Woolies and later found my place in records management.

Tell us about your connection to Sri Durga?

Outside his full-time work in records management, western suburbs resident Kamal Arora volunteers for Sri Durga Temple in Deanside and volunteers for an NDIS provider in Truganina. He spoke to Star Weekly about his connection to the local area. (Damjan

When my daughter started learning classical dance over the weekends we started visiting the temple regularly. I saw the work happening and felt that this work is never ending so I starting helping at each event. Duties range from driving elderly to and from their place, decorations in the temple, purchasing supplies when needed and kitchen duties.

Tell us about your connection to Melton?

We moved in from St Albans’ bustling streets to our calmer courts of Melton and bought our first home in 2014.

What do you like about where you live?

I like large blocks, quiet streets, creeks, walks, treks near Bacchus Marsh and the school near our place.

What, if anything, would you change about where you live?

Weareagrowingfamilywithtwokidspluswe are nature lovers who like to live away from sharp construction noises and busy traffic. I find that open spaces are very important for growing up children. We are already living a dream, however, if situations and economics stay favourable, Darley is another suburb we can think about going to.

Where is your favourite local place to spend time?

It is difficult to find spare time with 2 young children, yet we go to Hannah Watts parks and Naven Park near Harkness and we don’t miss Djerriwarrah Festivals. Our Sundays are mostly spent in temple where children are engaged in learning and we both volunteer.

Tell us something people would be

surprised to know about you.

I developed an odd skill over the COVID lockdowns – while gardening and pruning our trees I collected a lot of sticks and turned some of them into magic wands. Well, they don’t have magic in them but kids enjoy playing with them. I also made a lot of whistles out of sticks. I gave out more than 50 whistles to children. I have some more left, if anyone wants free whistles please reach out to me.

Is there anything else you’d like to say?

It is just a worry on my mind for a while that wehumansarenoteasyonourplanet.Wehave become hardcore consumers and our actions may bring climate challenges for our children and next generations to come. A smaller wardrobe collection, recycling, bicycle riding for short trips instead of driving could be a small lifestyle change if practiced collectively will reduce carbon emissions. I wish global warming was not real.

Two-week

Joeys grasp second chance at life

with pain relief and colic medication to relieve trapped gas in their digestive system, which can occur because of stress and diet.

“They’ve had a tough start to life, but with plenty of care from zoo vets, nurses and their wildlife carers, both joeys are now starting to thrive,” Dr O’Dwyer said.

Two orphaned joeys have defied the odds and will eventually return to the wild following lifesaving care at Werribee Open Range Zoo.

The four-month-old common wombat and seven-month-old eastern grey kangaroo were each found debilitated by the side of a road next to their mothers who had died from road trauma injuries.

The Australian natives were each taken to wildlife carers who sought expert medical support from the team at Werribee Open Range Zoo’s RSPCA Koala Ward.

Veterinarian Dr Jen O’Dwyer said the juvenile wombat weighed just 380 grams and the kangaroo joey only 1.2 kilograms when they were first brought in for specialist treatment. The wombat, who has been affectionately named Myrtle, arrived from the Central Highlands district, while the kangaroo named Ruth was found in Bylands.

“Both joeys were found to be highly dehydrated upon arrival as they had not had

“Myrtle, in particular, has grown and now weighs approximately three kilograms.”

Ruth was an inpatient at Werribee Open Range Zoo for three days in January and had a return check-up in February.

Myrtle had three separate visits throughout January and February to support her ongoing care.

“When we have cases like Ruth and Myrtle, where we can see them through their medical care and then on to being rehabilitated by carers, there is no better feeling,” Dr O’Dwyer said. “Health permitting, once they are old enough to fend for themselves in the coming months, they will be released back into the wild in a safe location nearby where they were originally found.”

Dr O’Dwyer said wildlife road trauma injuries are sadly common, however there are some simple steps to help reduce impacts to wildlife during road travel.

“Pay attention to road signage and try to avoid travelling during dawn and dusk as that

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

Laverton Community Choir

The choir is currently welcoming new members - especially male voices. If you love singing and would like to be part of a choir - come along and try out your vocal cords with our fun and welcoming group of singers. There are no auditions and you don’t need to be able to read music. The group meets on Thursday evenings during school terms at Laverton P12 College, 91 Bladin Street, Laverton from 7-9pm.

■ Sue 0418386147 or lavertoncommunitychoir@gmail.com

Live Well for Life

Live Well for Life is a free five-week program that provides support and information to Wyndham residents 18 and older, on a number of issues including how to make healthy behaviour changes, heart disease, diabetes and stroke, healthy eating, physical activity and sleep. The program will run at IPC Health, 117-129 Warringa Court, Hoppers Crossing in April and May. Registration is essential and participants must be able to attend all sessions.

■ livingwell@ipchealth.com.au or 1300

472 432

Point Cook VIEW

The Point Cook Day VIEW Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Point Cook Library 1-21 Cheetham Street, Point Cook. New members welcome.

■ Catherine, 0407 726 852.

Watton Group

A support group providing a social space for carers to get together in a safe and compassionate environment. Gives carers an opportunity to connect, share their experiences and offers emotional and practical support. The group meets at the Eco-Living Centre at 10am every fourth Tuesday of the month.

■ Patricia, 0434 487 360 or wattongroup131@gmail.com.

All Abilities Netball

All Abilities Netball for 10 to 25-year-olds is run by Wyndham Netball Association every Saturday morning during school terms from 10.30am on outside court 14 at Eagle Stadium, Ballan Road, Werribee. Intellectual, physical and social disabilities are catered for in a fun and supported group. Come and try your first session for free, with stadium entry $2.

■ Phil, 0437 078 739

Walking Netball

Walking Netball is a low impact, no running, no jumping version for those that love the fun, friendship and activity of a weekly game of netball. Sessions are run every Thursday during school terms from 8pm at Eagle Stadium, Ballan Road, Werribee. Come and try your first session for free, with stadium entry $2.

■ Phil, 0437 078 739

Wyndham Rotary

Wyndham Rotary welcomes people interested in helping people in need in the community. Interested in finding out more, come to the Italian Sports Club each Wednesday at 6.30pm for a meal, to share ideas and to work for a common cause.

■ Julie, 0406 196 630

With One Voice Wyndham Choir

With One Voice Wyndham Choir is a community choir open to all. The community choir welcomes all ages, abilities, faiths, cultures and genders and is directed by a very experienced and friendly professional conductor. Fun weekly rehearsals and amazing performance opportunities are provided. They sing for

an hour and then have a cuppa. The first two visits are free; and then payment is by tax-deductible donation. Tuesday evenings 7-8:30pm at Wayaperri House ,106 Duncans Road, Werribee.

■ wyndham@withonevoice.org.au

Adult community garden group

The group meets on the first Tuesday of the month 10-11.30am at Iramoo Community Centre, 84 Honour Ave, Wyndham Vale. Head down and join them as we maintain their rejuvenated community garden. Planting and harvesting produce that they grow.

■ 8742 3688

Seniors House of Fun

The Grange Community Centre invites seniors of Wyndham to its weekly Seniors House of Fun. This is a free program running every Friday 11am-12.30pm, at

The Grange Community Centre, 260-280 Hogans Road, Hoppers Crossing.

■ Vanessa, 8742 8000 or enquires@ grangecommunity.org.au

Seniors club

The Werribee Senior Citizens Club meets at 80 Lonsdale Circuit, Hoppers Crossing. The group is open to all people 55-plus and it runs on Wednesdays, 10am-noon. Entry: $2, includes morning tea.

■ 0403 041 499

Diabetes Support Group

The Werribee Diabetes support provides an opportunity to hear from experts on how to manage your diabetes, to share information on diabetes and to engage with other diabetics Meetings are at the old council shire buildings at 10am every second Friday of the month.

■ Bob, 0409 252872.

Hoppers Crossing Ladies Probus

The friendly and vibrant group meet at Hotel 520 on the second Wednesday of each month from 10am. They have a guest speaker each month as well as social lunches, outings and theatre trips.

■ 0408 123 669

Sunrise Social Groups

GenWest Sunrise Social Groups are currently seeking new members for their Melton, Brimbank and Wyndham programs. The free groups are organised by Genwest and provide a social space for women, gender diverse and nonbinary people, who have a disability, chronic health issues and/ or mental health challenges.

■ https://genwest.org.au/what-we-do/ health-wellbeing-programs/

U3A Werribee

The group is a not-for-profit community organisation for semi-retired and retired Wyndham residents. They hold a variety of classes-activities specifically designed for seniors, including, light physical and mental wellbeing sessions, arts, games and craft, and general classes such as current affairs, history and lunch groups. Most classes-activities are held at Wyndham community centres.

■ Rick, 0402 299 220.

Lions Club

Lions Club of Werribee meets at the RSL Club, 2a Synnot Street, Werribee on the first and third Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm.

■ Jorge, 0433 566 575

Bingo for all

The Werribee RSL hosts Bingo every Monday between 12.30-2.30pm.

■ 9741 5525

Western Budgerigar Club

The Western Suburbs Budgerigar Club meets at 7.30pm on the third Thursday of each month at Masonic Hall, 223 Watton Street, Werribee. Meet other members who are also passionate about breeding Budgerigars.

■ Don, 0414 975 862

Wyndham Ladies Probus

Are you recently retired or semi-retired? Looking for fun, fellowship and to increase your social networks. The Ladies Probus Club of Wyndham meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Hotel520, Sayers Road, Tarneit, and normally has an

outing or event on the third Wednesday of each month.

■ Rosa Sanderson, 0410 303 046

Wyn FM

Wyn FM is Wyndham’s community radio station, broadcasting on 88.9 and online from its studios at the Victoria University campus in Werribee. It offers a wide range of programming including music, sport, news and lifestyle shows as well as broadcasts in languages other than English. New broadcasters, volunteers, members and sponsors are always welcome.

■ 9919 8089 wynfm.org.au

Wyndham Combined Probus Club

Wyndham Combined Probus Club has been providing friendship and fun for retired people for 22 years. They have recently moved to a new home at Iramoo Community Centre in Wyndham Vale and offer speakers, lunches, brunches, shows, trips and tours. Newcomers are welcome on the second Tuesday of the month at 1.30pm.

■ Judy 0411 034 311

Werribee River Association

New volunteers to support Landcare work along the Werribee River. A great way to give back, get outdoors and work at your own pace.

■ Enquiries: Lisa Field Community & Business Development Manager 0433 559 530, admin@werribeeriver.org.au, or visit the Werribee River Association website www.werribeeriver.org.au for more details.

English lessons

Want to learn English in a fun and relaxed setting? Build your English, digital and employability skills with the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP). Williamstown. Laverton Community Education Centre now offers free AMEP classes to eligible clients at Joan Kirner House in Williamstown. Classes are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9.30am-3pm. Childcare is available for children who are under school age.

■ 93692726.

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Belle Hadiwidjaja ahead of a Maribyrnong skating event. (Damjan Janevski) 397118_01

PUZZLES

ACROSS

1 Creates (6)

4 Not wanted (8)

9 Traditional English sponge cake (7)

11 Mournful (7)

12 Knick-knacks and souvenirs (11)

13 Exclamation of surprise (3)

14 Arduous (8)

16 Union territory of the Republic of India (5)

19 Relating to a sovereign (5)

20 Influenza strain (5,3)

22 Phone program (abbr) (3)

24 Reciprocal (11)

26 Annoying (7)

27 Deviate (7)

29 Accurate shooters (7)

30 Stylish (6)

DOWN

1 Cadge (3)

2 Something signed by a parent, – form (9)

3 Less wet (5)

5 Bug (coll) (6)

6 Girls’ name (9)

7 Fastening (5)

8 Senile decay (11)

10 Collections of songs or photos (6)

12 Prioritising material possessions (11)

15 Type of rocks containing silica (9)

17 Exaggerated self importance (9)

18 Climb (6)

21 In ancient architecture, a horizontal design (6)

23 Metal rod for stirring a fire (5)

25 Celestial being (5)

28 Utter (3)

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

Today’s Aim:

19 words: Good

28 words: Very good

38 words: Excellent

No. 179

WORDFIT

3 LETTERS ADS

LETTERS

5 LETTERS ALIBI ALLOT ALOUD AMONG AROSE ARSON ASIDE BASED CAGED CAPED CASTS CIRCA DENSE EDGER EGGED ERRED

1 What is the largest train station in the UK?

2 In relation to trees, what does deciduous mean?

3 Pedro Pascal (pictured) starred alongside Nicolas Cage in which 2022 film?

4 Which continent are capybaras native to?

5 What type of food is a chimichanga?

6 The book cataloguing website Goodreads was launched in which year?

7 Is Paraguay a landlocked or coastal country?

8 True or false: Otzi the Iceman, a natural mummy from 3105BC, had tattoos?

9 The world’s first electric tram line operated in which country?

10 Hazard signs are typically black symbols on what colour triangular background?

No. 179

No. 179

No. 179

SPORTS QUIZ

1. How many Grands Prix will be held during the 2024 Formula One season?

2. The Dolphins defeated which team 38-0 in round two of the NRL season?

3. Who is currently ranked World No.1 in women's tennis?

4. Who was Collingwood’s leading goalkicker for their premiership-winning 2023 season?

5. What nationality was chess grandmaster Bobby Fischer?

6. In which year did Paris last host the Summer Olympics?

7. British racing driver Oliver Bearman drove for which famous F1 team in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix?

Who was the leading runscorer in the 2023/24 Sheffield Shield cricket season?

And which state does this allrounder play for?

What was the name of the 2001 motor racing film starring Sylvester Stallone?

Which two African nations will meet in a qualifying playoff, with the winning team joining the Matildas in Group B at the 2024 Olympic Women’s Soccer Tournament?

12. Blundstone Arena is the home ground of which Big Bash League team?

13. Patty Mills signed with which NBA team in early March?

14. How many current players have won multiple Brownlow Medals?

15. Which NRL club did former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull support?

16. What is the purpose of the dimples on a golf ball?

17. Which Japanese athlete is considered the greatest male gymnast of all time?

18. The NHL team the Oilers are based where?

19. Shohei Ohtani is known for what sport?

20. G-Man is the mascot of which AFL team?

21. Which F1 driver won the 2024 Australian Grand Prix?

22. In what position did Australian F1 driver Oscar Piastri finish the 2024 Australian Grand Prix?

23. In what year was the Australian Grand Prix last held in Adelaide?

24. Which NRL team plays home games at both Campbelltown Sports Stadium and Leichhardt Oval?

25. Which state's cricket team did Western Australia defeat to win the 2023–24 Sheffield Shield?

26. How many times has Western Australia won the Sheffield Shield?

27. Scott Gowans is the coach of which AFLW team?

28. In what year is Brisbane expected to host the Games of the XXXV Olympiad?

29. Dylan Buckley played a total of 41 games for which two AFL clubs?

30. Which women’s national cricket team goes by the nickname the Tigresses?

Oscar Piastri

Sylvester Stallone

Petrol power fights back

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

While the battle rages for the high ground of the top tech, and expensive, electrified territory of the automotive world, a rear-guard action from the internal combustion engine bargain basement is taking place.

Micro cars such as the MG 3, Suzuki Ignis, Fiat 500 and Mazda 2 are leading the charge to defend ICE(land). The latest call to arms comes from Kia with its upgraded Picanto. What are its chances?

Sadly, gone ta-taas is the popular GT, replaced by a pair of GT-Line legionnaires. Kia says it has called on the company’s footy-like ‘Opposites United’ (How do they think of ’em?) philosophy for the new range, leading to a modern, sporty design highlighted by a new headlamp set-up, ‘ripped’ radiator grille and reshaped front bumper.

Out back, the tail lamps and bumper have been tweaked.

The new Picanto comes in two trim levels –Sport and GT-Line – with prices coming in at $17,890, plus on-road costs, for the entry-level five-speed manual. The four-speed automatic sells for $19,490, while the flagship GT-Line auto tops out the range at $21,290. On test was the latter.

Priceisnottheonlysellingpoint,ForPicanto buyersit’swelcometoKia‘seventhheaven’with the maker’s class-leading seven-year warranty and capped price servicing at 12-month intervals, plus up to eight years roadside assist.

Styling

On GT-Line, further from above, a daytime running light strip extends across the leading edge of the bonnet, pushing out the headlamps with emphasis on the width.

Newly designed wheels – 14-inch alloys on the Sport and a 16-inch machine finished diamond cut quartet for the GT-Line.

Power folding side mirrors with integrated warning indicators are now standard across both trims, with GT-Line boasting heating too. Seven exterior paint finishes are on offer, with Adventurous Green being new to Kia.

Interior

Premium leatherette features as standard on steering wheel and gearshift knob across the range, with the latter also scoring a D-cut sports steering wheel. Leg room, especially in the back is at a premium, while head room is not so.

The driver’s side footwell is not welcoming to larger feet. Pedal space is cramped. Keyless entry is tainted by the need to use it the steering column lock to start the motor.

Boot space, with rear seat backs up is briefcase-like 255 litres; with the seat backs folded, a respectable 1010 mm.

Infotainment

Gone are the analogue gauges, replaced by a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster, making the perfect match for the carry-over 8-inch touchscreen–withAppleCarPlayandAndroid Auto – perched atop the central dashboard, beneath which are air-con (no climate) controls with easy-to-operate large knobs.

GT-Line rear occupants also benefit from the addition of USB-C charging ports.

Engines / transmissions

Nothing (new) to see here – the Picanto carries over the existing 1.2-litre MPI non-turbo engine, mated with either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, putting power to the ground through the front wheels.

Safety

With young drivers in mind, the Picanto GT-Line is equipped with a range of Kia’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems as standardacrossbothtrims.Theseincludeblind spot collision avoidance Assist rear BCA, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, and lane follow and lane keeping assist. difference in performance between the former 1-litre three-cylinder motor and the carry-over four-cylinder unit. Low on torque, the GT-Line auto is in no rush to get going, nor is it up There’s a reversing camera and rear parking sensors but nothing at the front, which is a pity because of the stubby nose.

Passive safety is in the hands of six airbags – dual front, front side and full-length curtain.

Driving

There appears to be little for smart overtaking while on the run. Tootling around town is more to its liking.

The maker puts the fuel consumption on the combined urban / highway cycle at 6 litres per hundred kilmetres. Over a week of average work the test vehicle recorded 7.1 k\litres per 100 kilometres.

The ride and handling were reasonably comfortable – some bumps and lumps along

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE

Kia Picanto Sport manual $17,890

Kia Picanto Sport automatic $19,490

Kia Picanto GT-Line manual $19,690

Kia Picanto GT-Line automatic $21,290

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Kia dealer for drive-away prices.

the way, considering the short wheelbase (2400 mm) and steering came up with good reaction to driver input.

Feedback was solid but the tyres could not avoid chiming in with annoying road noise on course surfaces. However, the Picanto gets a ‘gold medal’ for parking. Pick a spot – almost any spot – and the compact is quick to reward the driver in forward or reverse.

Summary

Kia lines up its Picanto to broaden the appeal of its mini hatchback, sacrificing its popular GT in the move.

Kia Picanto GT-Line. (Pictures: Supplied)

Werribe Centrals aim for the finals

Werribee Centrals coach Rhyce Prismall believes his side is ready to make the leap into finals in the Geelong and District Football League.

Centrals finished in seventh place last year, three wins short of making the top five.

Thecompetitionwastightatthetopwithjust three wins separating first and fifth place.

Prismall,whotookoverasaplayingcoachof theclubin2020,saidtheevennessoftheladder was a good sign for the league.

“It gives us confidence knowing that if we can be a bit more switched on and perform it won’t take much to catapult ourselves up if teams fall away,” he said.

“Butitworkstwoways,youcan’ttakeanyone lightly in our competition.”

The Centurions have signed some new faces to help spark that rise up the ladder.

Zac O’Halloran will bolster the ruck and

forward line after playing division 1 in the Victorian Amateur Football Association.

O’Halloranplayed150gamesforStBernards where he was their best and fairest player last season and was also named in the club’s team of the decade.

Keegan Gilbert is another recruit from St Bernards.

AnothernewplayerthathasexcitedPrismall is Kur Kur, who previously played for Glen Orden before taking a break from football last season.

“He has a bit of x-factor,” he said. “He was almost best on ground in our practice match, he’s very athletic and a hard matchup.”

Tyler Crennan will return to the side after a stellar 2023.

Crennan finished runner up in the league’s best and fairest behind Corio’s Joel Bennett.

Hewasalsonamedintheforwardpocketfor

theteamoftheyearwithhisteammateMichael Culliver named on the wing.

Prismall said he envisions Crennan splitting histimebetweenthemidfieldandforwardline.

“He’s just a workhorse, he would have to be the fittest bloke in the competition,” he said.

“I think he can take his game to a new level.

“He’s always been very good on offence and has taken defence to a new level, so I think he’s going to be 20 per cent better.”

Prismall himself will spend the first few weeks on the side line due to a broken finger.

Centrals will take on Corio in round one on April 24 at Shell Reserve.

Due to clubroom redevelopment works, Centrals will play just one of its first seven matches at home.

Wyndham ready to fire

Wyndham has added more firepower to its line up in a bid to move on quickly from last season’s disappointing grand final loss in the Big V state championship women’s competition.

Wyndham was the dominant team all season finishing the year unbeaten from 21 games, but it was shocked in the grand final when the Bulleen Boomers beat them by five points, to deliver its first loss of the year.

The teams were tied 70-70 at the end of regulation, forcing the game into overtime where the Boomers pulled away.

Wyndham coach Gerard Hillier said there were lessons to learn from that match up, but that his focus was on the future.

“Tobefairwerevieweditabit,butwehaven’t put too much time into it,” he said.

“I think for the most part, the first couple roundsarejusttofocusonusandtrytoexecute on our pre-season plan.”

Hillier said not too much will change in the way he coaches his side, which has led to one championshipandtwograndfinalappearances

over the past two seasons.

But there are some new faces that will be joining the line up.

Julie Brosseau is Wyndham’s newest import.

Brosseau played at Kansas University before movingtoLuxembourgtoplayinaprofessional competition. There she averaged 21 points per game along with five rebounds and two steals.

ButwhatimpressedHillierthemost,hesaid, was her three point shooting.

She shot the three at 40 per cent throughout that season in Luxembourg.

“She’s an international level three-point shooter,” he said.

“We’re a fast paced, run and gun team, so any chance to add a high level shooter to the program, we’ll take it.”

Amanda Paschal will welcome the support after carrying much of the load for her team in last year’s grand final, recording 34 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists.

Last season Paschal was named the league’s mostvaluableplayeranddefensiveplayerofthe year and was named to the all-star 5.

Shewillreturnascaptainforherthirdseason at the club.

Hillier said Paschal has also taken an opportunity in the Big V off-season to be part of the Bendigo Spirit’s wider program in the Women’s National Basketball League.

He said he was particularly proud of seeing his players recognised with these kinds of opportunities.

“For us our main focus is making sure each player develops,” said Hillier, who was part of the Spirit’s coaching staff as well.

“How many kids can we get into state programs, how many kids can we get into the WNBL, that’s our core focus.”

“If we get a chip along the way, we’ll take it.”

Wyndham also announced last week David Ingham as the club’s new general manager.

Ingham brings a wealth of basketball experience as a player and a coach, including a stint as the head coach of the Brisbane Bullets in the NBL.

Wyndham will play its first game of the season against Bellarine on Saturday.

Maddy Rocci in Olympic squad

Former Wyndham basketball junior Maddy Rocci’s Olympic dream is still aliveafterbeingnamedintheAustralian Opals squad ahead of the Paris Games.

The Opals named a 26-player squad in preparation for the Games which will be reduced to a final 12-player squad closer to the Games.

The 26-player squad will participate in training camps, tours and fixtures both domestically and internationally against other Olympic-bound countries in the lead up to the Games which begin on July 26.

The squad features 14 combined Olympic Games appearances, 11 members of the FIBA 2022 World Cup team which won a bronze medal.

Rocci has been part of the Opals squad for a number of years, but missed out on the team that qualified for the Games earlier this year.

She made her Opals debut in 2022 and is coming off a Women’s National Basketball League championship with the Southside Flyers.

Opals coach Sandy Brondello said selecting the squad was an important step in preparations for Paris.

“It’s always an exciting time to announce an Olympic squad and I congratulate all the athletes. They all knowwhatitmeanstoplayforAustralia, and they all want the opportunity to represent their country at an Olympics,” she said.

“Our squad is full of exceptional talent, and they will make the decision to pick a final 12 very difficult. We have Canada,NigeriaandFranceinourpool, so we are focused on that and what is required to get onto the podium.”

Maddy Rocci. (AAP Image/Mark Evans)

Tyler Crennan. (Jacob Pattison) 343143_07

Amanda Paschal. (Jacob Pattison)

Werribee’s Brew to captain Victoria in Adelaide

Werribee star midfielder Dom Brew has been named captain of the Victorian Football League state team for an upcoming exhibition match in Adelaide.

Brew was selected to represent his state alongside a 50-player squad, which will be whittled down to 23 closer to the event.

Those players will face off against a selected team of players from the South Australian National Football League, in the first hit out between the two states since 2017.

Brew’s selection as captain comes off the back of an excellent 2023 season, where he was won Werribee’s best and fairest and was named as the starting rover for in the team of the year.

Brew said he was ecstatic to receive the recognition. He received the news while at training last week.

“I’ve been in the league a while now so I’m incredibly humbled,” he said.

“It’s pretty surreal considering my journey coming from the Development League and

then working my way through.

“Coming down from Albury to Werribee to play in the Development League and then debut midway through that year and hold my spotatsuchagreatclublikeWerribee.Thento stay in the VFL all the way through Covid and to be here now is huge.

“For me to represent not just the VFL, but also the Werribee Football Club is something that I am proud to do.”

The current 50-player squad is made up entirely of players that are not AFL or rookie listed players.

Werribeehadthemostplayersnamedinthe extended squad with eight total.

WhileBrew’splaceissecured,histeammates Nathan Cooper, Kye Declase, Hudson Garoni, Nick Hayes, Jack Henderson, Sam Paea and Louis Pinnuck will all be hoping to make the final cut. The team will be selected this week, following round two of the VFL competition.

A number of ex-AFL players have been named in the extended squad, including

Tyler and Callum Brown (Box Hill Hawks), Trent Bianco (Footscray Bulldogs), Phoenix Spicer (Footscray Bulldogs) and Joel Garner (Richmond).

The match will feature as part of the AFL’s Gather Round, where all 18 AFL club will descend on Adelaide.

The game will be played at Stratarama Stadium in Glenelg at 1.40pm on Saturday.

Box Hill Hawks coach Zane Littlejohn will coach the VFL team, with Steve Daniel (Southport Sharks), Ben Hudson (Brisbane Lions) and Adam Skrobalak (Port Melbourne) selected as assistants.

Trembath’s solo journey

By Peter Howe

A golfer’s life can be a lonely existence, long hoursofpractisebyyourself,traveltoandfrom tournaments away from family and friends for long periods of time, but not so for the March Don Deeble nominee for this month, Jesse Trembath.

The 17-year-old, who hails from Point Cook has played football and cricket, made representative teams as an underage player of some ability.

But it wasn’t for him.

“I love individual sports, where you set the tempo and only have to rely on yourself,” he said. “I am comfortable in my own skin doing my own stuff. If I mess up, don’t practice the right way, it’s on me.”

Trembathtookupgolfwhenhewasfouryears old under the guidance of his grandmother Susan, who spent many a time talking about her hole in one at Altona Lakes.

Playing on local courses at Kooringal and Sanctuary Lakes, Trembath continued his improvement and was soon identified by Golf Victoria.

A typical week for Trembath includes gym workfourtimesaweekwithafocusonstrength and movement for power and explosiveness.

On most mornings he will spend up to an hour on golf fundamentals, including his short game. After school it is match simulation, technical implementation and course playing.

“I learned very quickly that if you are not having fun you get down on yourself and you stop playing well,” he said.

“Ipracticewithaclosematesomenightsand the loser has 100 push-ups to do. These are the little challenges that make the game fun.”

Trembath has been selected in the Metropolitan Golf Club’s division one pennant team for 2024, something that he is very proud of.

“There are two of us who are the youngest in the team, it will be a great challenge.”

It comes after a breakout 2023 season.

He currently plays off +2.

He holds the current course record at Kooringal Golf Club shooting a 63 in April last year, while he was a 2023 state team member, Golf Victoria high performance team and a Callaway “Next Program” representative.

Of his tournament wins in 2023 Trembath is most proud of his win in the Victorian Junior Amateur tournament.

“It was my first major title,” he said.

“I had to hang in there early and managed to prevail with a seven shot win.”

Trembath’s most recent achievement was as one of only two juniors to qualify for the Victorian Open at Thirteenth Beach.

He looked completely at home with the Pro’s and the crowd, missing the cut after 36 holes by one shot.

Trembath’s strengths are his putting and short game.

HesaidhiscoachBrandonRavehashadabig influence on his career along with his father, Craig Trembath.

“Dad won a gold medal for Australia as a shooter in the Commonwealth Games.

“We have a great working relationship, the older I get the more I listen to what he has to say, especially around preparation and focus.

It’s a family affair with his mother, Rachael arranging his personal travel and logistics, with Jesse saying his mum probably has the toughest job.

Trembath is undertaking his year 12 studies at Emmanuel College, with a focus on heading to the USA in 2025 having already has various college offers.

“Eventually when I finish college, I’d like to turn professional.”

He has just been selected by Golf Australia to represent Victoria at the upcoming 2024 Australian Junior Interstate Teams Matches in Perth in April.

The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and the Star Weekly Newspapers.

If you would like to nominate a monthly winner,emailingswrsportsclub@gmail.comor 0408 556 631.

United men play at home

Western United’s A-League Men’s side will finally get to play in front of its home crowd in Tarneit.

John Aloisi’s side is locked in for its first official game at the Regional Football Facility on April 6, taking on Macarthur at 3.30pm.

The green and black family will then be treated to two matches within four days, starting with a clash against Central Coast Mariners on April 13 before a blockbuster against Adelaide United on April 16.

Kick-off for the Mariners encounter is set for 3.30pm, while the Adelaide fixture will have the Regional Football Facility in all its glory under lights for the first time, beginning at 7pm.

A bumper crowd of more than 2,000 people flocked to the Regional Football Facility for the inaugural women’s side and there are set to be many more for this next major milestone.

Matchdays will once again be a festival of fun for the whole family to enjoy with activities for the kids, games and giveaways and the return of the drummers and the fan-favourite Brazilian BBQ.

After 21 matches, Western United’s men’s side sits on the bottom of the table with five wins and four draws for the season.

United sits 12 points behind sixth placed Western Sydney Wanderers.

Before United plays at home, the side was due to face Adelaide United on Good Friday, after deadline.

The women’s side was due to play its finalhomeandawaymatchoftheseason against the Central Coast Mariners, which was also after deadline.

United had already qualified for finals.

Jesse Trembath. (Supplied)

Dom Brew has been selected to captain a Victorian representative side in Adelaide. (VFL)

Werribee sneaks in a close win

By Tara Murray

Werribee got home in a heartstopper to remain undefeated after two rounds of the Victorian Football League.

Werribee headed up to Queensland to face Southport on Saturday and was able to come away with the points, 9.8(62)-8.11 (59).

Werribee coach James Allan said it was nice to come back home with the four points in their pocket.

“We got there in the end,” he said. “We certainly can play better than that and we didn’t play anywhere near our best.

“We weren’t overly happy with how we played and we have some work to do.

“They are a very good side and we were happy to get the points and win when we weren’t at our best.”

Werribee started well and led by four goals at quarter time, before trailing by nine points at the main break.

The margin was four points at the final break.

It meant Werribee had a task ahead of it in the final quarter.

“We were kicking into a strong breeze,” he said. “ We were able to handle the pressure better than they did.

“And we were able to scratch out a win in the end.”

Allan said the calibre of the group was on show with how they were able to handle the pressure late in the match.

“Our guys were pretty clear and able to execute it really well.”

Sam Paea, Harry Grintell and Hudson Garoni kicked two goals each for Werribee. Dom Brew had 30 possessions to lead the

way with Nick Hayes having 28,

Allan said it was some of their leaders that led from the front again.

“Nathan Cooper in defence was outstanding,” he said. “Dom Brew went to their captain and did what he does every week.

“Nick Hayes on the wing was good as was Bior Malual and Hudson and Sam gave us some targets. Sam Conway in the ruck gave us a good contest.”

Werribee has a bye this weekend with the VFL representative game against a South Australian National Football League representative team.

Werribee had a competition-high eight players named in the initial squad which will be reduced this week.

Allan said they were hoping to have as many of the eight as possible in the squad.

Brew is one confirmed starter having been named captain of the side.

Allan said it was pretty special for Brew to hold that role.

“It’s a great reward for Dom,” he said. “What he has been able to do as a leader of our team and to get that recognition outside of our club.

“He’s really proud and we’re proud of him.”

Allan said they would let the rest of the group have some time at their local clubs.

“We have this break and then our first home game,” he said. “Some will go back and play local football.

“There’s the opportunity to go back to their local clubs and get them away from our environment.”

Werribee’s next match is April 13 against Richmond at Avalon Airport Oval. Richmond is also 2-0 after the first two rounds.

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